'A place the community can be proud of': Owner sets out plans for new Cross Gates bar
The new bar will open in a former bank
A vacant bank building in Leeds can be brought back into use as a bar after permission was given by the council.
The former NatWest in Cross Gates was granted a premises licence after reaching an agreement to reduce its serving hours.
Leeds City Council received objections from two people living nearby who raised fears over potential noise and nuisance behaviour.
The applicant, Richard Conlin, said measures would be in place to keep order at the Station Road venue.
He told a licensing hearing: “My aim is to open a well-managed venue that the community can be proud of.
“Anyone causing anti-social behaviour will be refused entry and removed from the premises.”
Last orders at the new venue, yet to be named, would be 10.30pm, Sunday-Wednesday and 11.30pm, Thursday to Saturday.
The hours were agreed with West Yorkshire Police as part of formal conditions on the licence.
The hearing was told concerns were also raised over parking and possible traffic noise at the new bar.
Mr Conlin said: “I will ensure customers leave the premises in a considerate manner, so as not to cause a disturbance.”
Five letters of support were also received by the council from people who wanted to see the building re-used.
One said: “Bringing an empty, prominent property bank into use will significantly boost the local economy and improve the vibrancy of the high street.”
The bank was shut down last year as part of a wave of branch closures by NatWest.
The council previously approved a planning application for a change-of-use and alterations to the building.
The premises licence was granted following a licensing sub-committee hearing at Leeds Civic Hall.